The Decatur Daily in Tennessee reported that Montgomery lived in Decatur at one point and attended St. Ann's School and Decatur High School.

Lucy Schrimster, a friend of Montgomery's in Tennessee, told the newspaper he was popular and well-liked, saying, "if you could have seen his smile, you'd have known why."

(AP PHOTO/ STEVE RUARK)

An Army carry team waits to lift a transfer case containing the remains of Army Staff Sgt. Thaddeus S. Montgomery Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Montgomery, of West Yellowstone, Mont., died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

(AP PHOTO/ STEVE RUARK)

An Army carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Army Staff Sgt. Thaddeus S. Montgomery Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Montgomery, of West Yellowstone, Mont., died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.